Return or restitution of cultural property to the countries of origin

Commends Unesco and the Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin or its Restitution in Case of Illicit Appropriation on the work they have accomplished, in particular through the promotion of bilateral negotiations, for the return or restitution of cultural property, the preparation of inventories of movable cultural property, the reduction of illicit traffic in cultural property and the dissemination of information to the public; calls upon all relevant bodies, agencies, funds and programmes of the UN system and other relevant intergovernmental organizations to work in coordination with Unesco within their mandates and in cooperation with Member States, in order to continue to address the issue of return or restitution of cultural property to the countries of origin, and to provide appropriate support accordingly; commends the efforts of Unesco to encourage the linking of existing databases and identification systems, taking into account the one developed by the International Criminal Police Organization, to allow for electronic transmission of information in order to reduce illicit trafficking in cultural property, and encourages Unesco to make further efforts in this regard in cooperation with Member States, where appropriate; requests the Secretary-General to cooperate with Unesco in its efforts to develop all possibilities, including any further initiatives, for bringing about the attainment of the objectives of the present resolution.

Adopted without vote, 84th meeting

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Adopted at the 84th plenary meeting, 17 Dec. 1999.